Author's Note: Here's the second chapter for today. Hopefully my updating will be back to a regular schedule. Thanks for sticking it out readers! As for this chapter, it's just short and sweet. I always imagine Christmases in the past, singing songs and making cookies with my family. Awww, good memories. This song reminds me of that.

Disclaimer: I don't own the song "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel

Chapter 6: The Longest Time

"How is the maintenance coming along, Captain?"

Jim gave his communications officer a striking smile, "They should be done with the maintenance and updates in a few days. It's taking them longer because Scotty is just so damn protective of the ship."

They entered the elevator and Jim took a minute to admire Uhura, "So are you going anywhere for Christmas?"

She nodded, "I'm taking Spock to go meet my parents. They're very excited to see him."

"You know," Jim began thoughtfully, "I still think we can do that three-way. I know Spock will go for it."

Uhura rolled her eyes, "You just never give up do you, farm-boy?"

Jim grinned, "I wouldn't be your Captain if I did."

Uhura gestured, "So how about you, any holiday plans?"

"Yeah, I'm hanging out with Bones and his little girl: making cookies, singing carols, visiting Santa Claus at the mall. No bars, or stripers, or anything."

"It'll be good for you." Uhura smiled.

"I'm actually going over to our apartment right now, care to join us for a bit?"

"You mean that dump of a room that you two shared during Academy?" Jim nodded, "Sure, I guess. I've been wanting to see Leonard's little girl."

They made their way across the campus and through the apartment building. When they reached the hallway where their room was, music drifted towards them. They reached the curtained door, Uhura pointed.

"You still don't have that door fixed?"
Jim chuckled, "Yeah, it's fixed. We left the curtain there and whenever someone is home we just leave it open."

They lifted the curtain and paused. Jim and Uhura turned and smiled at each other.

If you said goodbye to me tonight
There would still be music left to write
What else could I do
I'm so inspired by you
That hasn't happened for the longest time

Leonard was in the kitchen making cookies. A pan in one hand and Joanne wrapped up in his other arm. They were dancing and singing to an old 20th century song.

Once I thought my innocence was gone
Now I know that happiness goes on
That's where you found me
When you put your arms around me
I haven't been there for the longest time

With the swing of an arm the pan went into the oven. Joanna squealed as she was dipped. McCoy plopped her on the counter revealing his apron: Don't worry, I'm a doctor. The little blonde started scooping the dough into little balls onto a pan.

Woa, oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Woa, oh, oh
For the longest time

At the chorus the two leaned into each other and belted out even louder.

I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall
And the greatest miracle of all
Is how I need you
And how you needed me too
That hasn't happened for the longest time

Joanna accidentally flipped a blob of dough onto McCoy's face. Her eyes got big and then she burst out laughing. She hopped off the counter and screamed in delight when she saw her father give chase.

Maybe this won't last very long
But you feel so right
And I could be wrong
Maybe I've been hoping too hard
But I've gone this far
And it's more than I hoped for

Next came the mixing of the frosting. It involved a little bit of ingredients and lots of food dye everywhere.

Who knows how much further we'll go on
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
I'll take my chances
I forgot how nice romance is
I haven't been there for the longest time

Uhura turned to Jim, "Looks like you will have plenty of fun this week."

I had second thoughts at the start
I said to myself
Hold on to your heart
Now I know the woman that you are
You're wonderful so far
And it's more than I hoped for

Jim's face was a-glow with the scene in front of him, he nodded, "I think so."

I don't care what consequence it brings
I have been a fool for lesser things
I want you so bad
I think you ought to know that
I intend to hold you for the longest time

That's it! Next time: Spock and Jim give McCoy some comfort and friendship